TY - JOUR AU - Uiblein, Franz AU - Heemstra, Phillip C. PY - 2011/09/30 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Description of a new goatfish species, Upeneus randalli n. sp. (Mullidae), from the Persian Gulf, with remarks and identification keys for the genus Upeneus JF - Scientia Marina JA - Sci. mar. VL - 75 IS - 3 SE - Articles DO - 10.3989/scimar.2011.75n3585 UR - https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/1281 SP - 585-594 AB - The number of species of the goatfish genus <i>Upeneus</i> from the western Indian Ocean has increased considerably due to recent taxonomic efforts. Here we describe a new species, <i>Upeneus randalli</i> n. sp., based on body and fin coloration and 50 morphometric and meristic characters of eight specimens from the Persian Gulf, and supported by comparative data from a taxonomic review of western Indian Ocean <i>Upeneus</i> species and additional material from collections. <i>Upeneus randalli</i> is distinguished from congeners by the combination of 8 dorsal-fin spines, 14 pectoral-fin rays, 23 to 25 gill rakers, 28 to 30 lateral-line scales, pectoral-fin width 22 to 26 times in SL, and red bars on both caudal-fin lobes. We provide two identification keys: one key is for distinguishing among four species groups and the morphologically unique <i>U. filifer</i>, accounting for all 28 species of the genus, and the other key is for the six closely related species of the “<i>U. tragula</i> group” from the western Indian Ocean, including <i>U. randalli</i> n. sp. Since the colour patterns fade away soon after collection and can be completely lost during preservation, morphometric and meristic characters are important for correctly identifying <i>U. randalli</i> n. sp. and the closely related <i>U. margarethae</i>. The latter species shows considerable variation in body form in different areas of the western Indian Ocean. We discuss the significance of detailed comparative studies of caudal-fin colour patterns and body-form characters for obtaining a deeper understanding of inter- and intraspecific diversity among <i>Upeneus</i>. ER -